Unconquered

A recently released movie 'Invictus' got me wondering where the title came from a few weeks ago. A little google search led me to this short poem by William Ernest Henly. This is the text compliments of wikipedia:

Out of the night that covers me
Black as the pit from pole to pole
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul.

The opening of the films trailer was Morgan Freeman reading this poem as Nelson Mandella, The story is that this was written on the walls of his cell when he was in prison. I think its an amazing poem and it gives me chills when I read it. I can't wait to see this movie, partially because of the story behind the characters but also because it is about an amazing rugby world cup year.

I'm baaaack

Soooo, I deided that I don't have the time to dedicate to creating one solid online identity and it will come one day but for now I'll just keep this blog going for fun, don't look for posts every week but I'll be putting material out here as it hits me.
cheers!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Yes, its true, I've been a bad blogger. I've neglected to update my blog in a REEEEEAAALLY long time.

I'm currently working on migrating my blog to a different blog which has a new name yet to be determined. I'm also thinking about jumping on the twitter bandwagon but I want to have a unified online life so I am taking some time to think about a new user name. I've stood by the 'schmiddy66' moniker for too long. I mean c'mon, doesn't that name sound sooooooo high school? Hopefully I'll have a new link posted out here soon.

Thanks for the opposable thumbs!

Happy 200th birthday to Charles Darwin!

Thanks for 'On the Origin of Species'

West Michigan Coop

I had my first pick up from the West Michigan Co-op the other day, and it was a great one! I got a lot of great food and everyone there was really nice! After getting lost, walking in the wrong door to the building and consequently walking around like an idiot for a while, I got the hang of things and was able to get all my stuff easily and people were more than willing to help me out and chat about their products.

The Locavore Challenge is sort of on hiatus due to poor planning on the start date (rescheduled for an April/May start) but I am still going to try and eat as local as possible. One of my favorite pick ups was the Blue Majesty potatoes I bought from Funny Farm Organics. I have never seen blue potatoes before. I immediately made mashed potatos with them and sure enough, they taste like potatos....

I will be looking forward to future monthly pick ups especially when the growing season starts and the veggies come in big-time. Until then, I'll see you at McDonald's (just kidding).

First Annual Diamond Cutters Ice Fishing Weekend

One thing I've noticed in the last few cold Michigan winters is that if you take up hobbies that make the winter enjoyable you will have something to look forward to and it makes the sub-zero temperatures more beareable. Mine is snowboarding however, with recent developments I find myself unable to snowboard due to a separated shoulder in December.

So to cull the days of cabin fever I made plans to have some family and friends up to the Sage Lake cottage for a weekend of ice fishing. Before I knew it I had invited upwards of 30 people to the cottage! It worked out becuase only 23 ended up being able to go and only around 18 actually made it and one of the participants was my uncle who has a cabin across the lake from ours. Most people had a place to crash and some passed out on the floor to avoid the snorer's room.

Unfortunately we didn't catch a single fish but a great time was had by all and we even got see Chris who lives in California and we seldom get to see. Most of the time I was to busy to take pictures but I've got a few with, playing host or imbibing mass quantities of alcohol to stay warm. Keep in mind that the more one drinks, the warmer the weather seems. This weekend was cold, very cold.

Easiest way to get around on the ice - Snowmobile or Quad, thankfully we had both. Safety is key on these kinds of trips. Thanks uncle Scott.

Brad's to snowmobiles were enjoyed by all and after a little work getting them going, they ran relatively well. Its also really fun to get pulled on a saucer by a wakeboarding tow rope, trust me..

Taken right after I woke Uncle Gene from his slumber - yea thats right, it was below zero and this guy is sleeping on a plastic chair on the ice.


Chad and Scott had to take care of uncle Dan after a stumble face first into the snow. Some shenanigans took place around this fire ring that will never be forgotten. Danny went inside soon after and slept while we messed with him. Notice the self whitewash as he faceplanted with glasses on.


The survivors hanging out by the fire after a long day of unsuccessful fishing. I was thankful everyone could make it and had a good time.

Next year I think we will pick a different lake/river to fish on. So mark your calendars for the third weekend in January 2010!

Music Update

High Fidelity style Top 5 bands I'm digging on right now:




1. Kings of Leon - Only by the Night - going to see them on the 26th in Lansing if anyone wants to go.

2. Iron and Wine (I discovered their pre-Shepard's Dog albums - great cover of 'Such Great Heights')


3. Blitzen Trapper - Furr


4. Matt Costa - I can't help it I love the songs we sing. Its the best music to shower by.

5. Rachael Yamagata - Elephants......Teeth Sinking into Heart. Kind of sad but she has a beautiful voice.

I've been in a pretty mellow mood musically lately. Putting the metal and scream-core on hold for the time being. I'm wondering when the Music industry executive is going to knock down my door and take me to jail though!

Please, chime in with opinions, comments, suggestions, and sarcasm!